You’d be hard pressed to find a country more proud of its ancient traditions than Scotland. Stemming from age-old clan interactions and carried forward throughout the centuries, these rituals remain at the heart of Scotland’s unique culture, encapsulating everything it means to be a Scot. Here, we take a closer look at these well-known (and sometimes, misunderstood) customs.
The Kilt
Highland dress overall is an instantly recognisable symbol of Scottish patriotism, but no single garment does this better than the kilt. Traditionally, each clan would have had their own tartan which would be used as the material for their kilts, representing the wearer’s allegiance. Though the days of clans have passed, some descendants of these families still choose to sport these historic tartans in recognition of their heritage. After the Jacobite rebellion, the act of wearing a kilt was a decreed a crime by the English, and this new ban was in effect for 35 years! In true Scottish fashion, the kilt then went from an everyday garment to a symbol of defiance against the Crown and proud Scots continued to wear them, making it an extremely difficult law to enforce.
Bagpipes
The Scots may not have invented them, but the sound of the bagpipes is now forever linked with Scottish culture as its national instrument. Historically, Highland soldiers had their own pipers that would go on to the battlefield ahead of the rest of the troops as a means of intimidating their enemies or, on occasion, to signal a warning to their men of awaiting danger. This tradition of infantry piping is still celebrated today at the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, where a large group of pipers play in formation as part of this of this spectacular military showcase.
Highland Games
A tradition that stretches back around a thousand years, the Highland Games are a must-see fixture of the Scottish calendar, where some of the strongest competitors from across the Scottish Isles (and beyond) gather to perform incredible feats of athleticism in a series of special games including the Hammer Throw, Tug-o-War, Shot Put and the famous Caber Toss. Originally these games were thought to be a competition between the most capable men from opposing clans to showcase their physical prowess but nowadays it’s fun-filled event for the whole family, complete with dancing and music.
Burns Night
The most recent of these traditions, Burns Night began in 1801, where friends of the writer Robert Burns gathered to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the writer’s passing and share readings of his work. The meeting was deemed such a success that it soon became an annual tradition (though later years would honour the date of his birth instead) and soon expanded into an event recognised around the world where people celebrate with music, stories, plenty of haggis and a wee dram or two!
Experience Scotland with National Holidays
From the great cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow to the more quintessential Scottish Experience, join us on a coach break to the shimmering waters of Loch Lomond, the majestic peaks of the Trossachs National Park, Fort William and the unspoilt natural beauty of the Highlands, hop over to the Isle of Bute or enjoy the picturesque harbour town of Oban. The possibilities are endless on a coach holiday to Scotland.